Skip to main content

5 questions about writing in English

What do people say about writing in English when it’s not their first language?

Anikó is a psychologist from Hungary. Here’s what she feels and thinks about writing in English.

  1. How do you feel about writing in English?
    At the beginning, I always feel nervous because I don’t know how to start the story. I anxiously watch my grammar, but then I take a deep breath and let my fear go. At the end, I always realize that writing in English is better than speaking because I have more time to think of the right grammar and I can be more conscious.

  2. What’s the hardest thing about writing in English?
    For me, to synchronise the two languages in my mind. To put it into other words, to be able to write down my thoughts in English just like in my mother tongue. Additionally, of course, to avoid grammar mistakes.

  3. How do you overcome this?
    I aim to read in English a lot. When I read in English, I see the words, or the sentences, and how to write them down properly. Next time, when I come across that particular word I want to write down, all I do is just recall and picture it. So, reading helps me improve my writing a lot. 

  4. What are your writing goals?
    My aim is to be able to write without any grammar mistakes and my lovely English teacher will say: “I don’t think you need me anymore”.

  5. What’s your advice for others who need to write in English?
    Practice makes perfect! It’s true. Write a lot, read a lot and get a great teacher who points out your mistakes and motivates you.

So feel the fear and write in English anyway. 

Do you want to write more confidently in English? I can help you.

Liked this? Sign up for more.

© Christina Wielgolawski